Here is a by-the-numbers look at the Lakers’ 101-99 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
0.3
Seconds left in overtime when Jordan Clarkson hit a pair of game-winning free throws. With the game tied at 99, Andrew Wiggins swatted Wayne Ellington’s layup with 1.3 seconds remaining, but Clarkson managed to track down the offensive rebound and draw a foul on Zach LaVine. Clarkson subsequently knocked down both foul shots to snag victory for the Lakers. Despite also scoring a team-high 20 points, Clarkson was not pleased with his overall performance, due in part to a career-worst six turnovers.
“I took a few steps back,” the rookie said. “I didn’t take care of the ball well. I was holding it a little bit too much on the offensive end. I’ve just got to keep growing, go back, watch the film and learn from it.”
Clarkson Strikes From Mid-Range
4
Shots taken by L.A. in overtime, which were half as many as Minnesota attempted. The Lakers went just 2-for-4 in the extra period, while the Timberwolves shot 3-for-8. However, Clarkson pushed L.A. ahead, scoring eight points by hitting his only overtime shot, while shooting 6-for-6 at the charity stripe.
5
L.A.’s lead with 1:38 left in the fourth quarter. While the Lakers provided the game’s dramatic finish, Minnesota had a last-ditch comeback of its own to force overtime. After LaVine hit free throws to trim the Timberwolves’ deficit, Chase Budinger — who scored a season-high 22 points — splashed a 3-pointer with 6.6 seconds left to force overtime. On the other end, L.A. missed its last three shots of regulation, including the potentially game-winning triple by Ryan Kelly with one second remaining.
“We had opportunities,” acting head coach Paul Pressey said. “The bottom line is we left a shooter in the corner with Budinger, and he got an open look at the 3 and put the game into overtime. That’s where the game is played. Fortunately, we were able to hang in there. Our guys could have given up. They hung in there and kept playing.”
27
Points scored by Wiggins. This year’s No. 1 overall pick put on a show by shooting 8-for-16 from the field and 10-for-11 on free throws. Wiggins also provided scoring when Minnesota sorely needed it, as he contributed 12 of his points in 14 minutes across the fourth quarter and overtime.
94.4
Percentage shot by the Lakers at the free throw line. Excellent shooting on foul shots kept the visitors in the game, as they missed just one of their 18 attempts. Clarkson led the way by knocking down all eight of his free throws, as the Lakers hit their highest percentage on that many shots since going 19-for-20 at Phoenix on March 1, 2009.